Missing DeFuniak Springs Man Identified After 10 Years

MIRAMAR BEACH, FLA. — Authorities identified skeletal remains found on Eglin Air Force Base property as John Thomas "JT" Watson, a DeFuniak Springs man missing since August 2015.

Watson, 38 when he disappeared, was last seen driving a Mitsubishi Mirage on August 7, 2015. His family said he had recently left prison and was staying with relatives while rebuilding his life. Investigators found the Mirage abandoned on wooded Eglin property between Coy Burgess Loop and Nelson Road on October 18, 2015, with keys inside.

On November 24, a Legacy K-9 Search Team discovered human remains near Forest Oak Road on the base. A set of Ford Mustang keys, belonging to another vehicle Watson had purchased, lay near the skeletal remains. Authorities found no weapons at the scene.

DNA Labs International and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement confirmed the remains belonged to Watson. The District 1 Medical Examiner's Office assisted with the identification.

The Walton County Sheriff's Office continues investigating. Anyone with information should contact the Sheriff's Office at (850) 892-8111 or Emerald Coast Crime Stoppers at (850) 863-TIPS.